Colorado is blessed with over 9000 miles of rivers and creeks, but only 168 miles of these are considered Gold Medal Water.  The Colorado Wildlife Commission has designated these stretches of water as offering the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing.

• The official criteria for Gold Medal Water is 12 trout per acre over 14" or 60 lbs. of trout per surface acre.  Our stretch of the Taylor River meets or exceeds this definition and the certification process is underway!

The "restoration of the Taylor River" has been a long and costly project.  The first improvements were done back in 1984.  Private land owners recognized that improving the habitat would have a positive impact on the properties on the river.  All in all, Harmel's Ranch Resort has some of the best fishing in Colorado.  This combined with all of our other activities makes Harmel's a terrific dude ranch vacation!